Hawk Hill Online - October 2012

Michael J. Hagan ’85 will receive the Saint Joseph’s University Alumni Association’s highest honor, the Shield of Loyola, this Friday at the 32nd annual Alumni Gala at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Philadelphia.

The 2006 Forbes Entrepreneur of the Year, Hagan serves as the president and CEO of national home security provider LifeShield. He previously served as chairman and chief executive officer of the weight loss management company Nutrisystem, Inc. He made a name for himself in the 1990s as the co-founder of VerticalNet, Inc., a business-to-business Internet and software company. Hagan has won countless awards, and achieved tremendous personal and professional success, and his companies have earned numerous market distinctions. But what’s behind the resume? What makes him tick? What makes him live the magis? We asked some people who might have some insights.

“I’ve seen Mike convey knowledge and eagerness of what SJU not only is, but can be. Sort of stretching us to go, encouraging us through his generosity,” said Saint Joseph’s President C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ’72. “The mission of SJU in exemplifying the past, present and future of Jesuit education involves educating the whole person in mind, body and spirit. Mike Hagan certainly exemplifies that.”

“The Shield of Loyola is the highest award that we have. We give it to people who make a difference in the world after they’ve left SJU. And Mike Hagan is the epitome of that. I think to give back is so natural to him, that he would not consider doing anything else,” said Nicholas S. Rashford, S.J., the 25th president of Saint Joseph’s University.

“The success that Mike has had is certainly no surprise to me,” said Verticalnet co-founder Mike McNulty ’85. “He instills a sense of confidence and trust in people. People who work for Mike would literally run through brick walls because there is that solid human being bond that Mike exudes and has demonstrated loyalty and all the qualities to wind up behind someone as a leader.”

“From the first time I met Mike,” said 1999 Shield honoree Sister Mary K. Scullion, RSM ’76. “I knew there was something special about him. Not only his outstanding executive leadership skills, which are obvious the first time you meet him, but also his incredible human qualities. And his interest in each and every person that he meets, no matter what your station in life happens to be.”

“He exudes confidence, he just has so much confidence he's so self-assuring,” said his wife Joyce Hagan. “He always goes forward, doesn’t look back and he's also caring and gentle and very humble.”

Hagan is the 32nd recipient of the Shield of Loyola, which is presented annually to a graduate who has distinguished accomplishments in his or her chosen field, demonstrated loyalty to the alma mater, and whose life reflects the values of St. Ignatius Loyola.

UNIVERSITY news

C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ʼ72 Officially
Inaugurated as SJUʼs 27th PresidentSaint Joseph’s University officially inaugurated its 27th president C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ’72, on Friday, Oct. 12. The inaugural ceremony, held in the Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena, was the culmination of a weeklong series of events. More than 60 presidents and delegates from other colleges and universities, alumni, faculty, staff, students and Fr. Gillespie’s friends and family were all on hand to celebrate.More > | Video > | Photo gallery >

“Super Cool” Research Receives NSF FundingJohn Berberian, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, has received a $302,228 Research in Undergraduate Institutions grant from the National Science Foundation for his proposal, “The Study of Molecular Motion in Simple Glass-Forming Liquids.” More >

Law Alumni Chapter to Honor
Smithson ’68, M.B.A. ’82, Green ’60The Saint Joseph’s University Law Alumni Chapter will continue its tradition-in-the-making of recognizing alumni in the field of law who exemplify a life guided by spirit, intellect and purpose with the bestowal of two awards at its annual awards dinner on November 14 at the Union League in Philadelphia. The Brother Bartholomew A. Sheehan, S.J. ’27 Award and the The Honorable Francis X. McClanaghan ’27 Award will be conferred upon Saint Joseph's University Senior Vice President John Smithson ’68, MBA ’82 and former Philadelphia Mayor, the Honorable William J. Green III ’60, respectively. Register >

Second Annual Hawktoberfest a Rousing Success
More than 1,800 alumni and friends gathered on Hawk Hill on October 13-14 for the second annual Hawktoberfest that included activities for Hawks of all ages. The stunningly beautiful fall Saturday began with the Kinney 5K Run/Walk. Fans had the opportunity to check out the menʼs and womenʼs basketball teams at open practices. This season's Hawk T was unveiled between sessions. On the Maguire campus, softball, baseball and field hockey alumni gathered to see if they still had “it.” Meanwhile, menʼs lacrosse alumni squared off with each other in a scrimmage on Finnesey Field. The Barbelin Society and Ignatian Circle came together to offer an inaugural toast to Fr. Gillespie. Drs. Graham Lee and Randall Miller sparked some serious debate with a discussion of the issues surrounding the upcoming election, and “Bracketology” pioneer Joe Lundardi ʼ82 worked the throng in Wolfington Teletorium into a lather with a talk about this upcoming basketball season. That was just the morning sessions.

Without a cloud in the sky, it was a perfect afternoon for the all-inclusive tailgate. Music, games, and free food and drink abounded. The Kids Corner included a bounce house, obstacle course, pumpkin painting and a train. The pep band blared, old connections were rekindled and new ones were established. The Hawk flapped and posed for pictures. Mister Softee even showed up. Saturday evening, class years ending in “2” and “7” gathered for their reunions. Classes from 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992 gathered at various locations throughout campus. The Class of 1997 partied at Barnaby's in Havertown and the Class of 2002 had a VIP reception at Xfinity Live, while the Class of 2007 joined together at Tavern on Broad.

Activities wrapped up Sunday with a mass at the Chapel of St. Joseph - Michael J. Smith, S.J. Memorial, followed by the Golden Hawks brunch, where alumni and friends of all ages came together to celebrate an amazing weekend. That afternoon, Mary Lou Quinlan ʼ75 performed her New York Times bestselling play, “The God Box” to a packed house in Bluett Theater.

Plans are already in the works for next year's Hawktoberfest. If you have suggestions for next year's event or feedback on this yearʼs event, please take this short survey.

Gerardo Gomez ’12: Paying It Forward from Costa Rica
It’s really simple for Gerardo Gomez, a 2012 accounting graduate of the Haub School of Business. Gomez recognizes that he wouldn’t have been able to attend Saint Joseph’s University had it not been for scholarship support he received. That’s why he is paying it forward with a year of volunteer service through the FrancisCorps, the Franciscan Volunteer Service. More >

iSJU Program Introduces Freshmen to Ignatian Ideals
The iSJU program is the University's introduction its Ignatian roots and values to the freshman class, and on the last week of the month, various students, faculty and even Jesuits talked to them about their SJU experiences and what it means to receive a Jesuit education. Dan Joyce, S.J. ’88 announced recently that in 32 sessions across four residence halls:

70 percent of the class of 2016 participated

89 sophomores, juniors and seniors gave of their time to serve as presenters and mentors.

32 Resident Assistants and Student Life staff assisted in making this program happen.

29 faculty members offered reflections on how to best engage a liberal arts education and make the most of SJU.

Saint Joseph’s University Christmas Tree Ornament
Continuing a tradition more than two decades in the making, the Saint Joseph’s University Alumni Association is proud to present the 2012 commemorative Christmas Ornament. Custom made by Commemoratives - Adams and Adams, Inc., of Middlebury, Conn., this year’s pewter ornament features the Saint Joseph’s Hawk in “mid-flap” and is made in the United States of America by meticulous and skilled craftspeople. Order yours today for $20 through Tom Fithian, Associate Director of Programs and Services, and receive it in time to decorate your Christmas Tree.Hawk Travel Opportunity: Tahitian JewelsApril 7-19, 2013Welcome to paradise. Cruise the balmy South Seas and discover some of Polynesia’s finest jewels as you explore the stunning islands of the South Pacific. Fun and good fellowship guaranteed. Brochure > | Other travel opportunities >

Alumni, friends and parents are cordially invited to meet C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ʼ72 on his inaugural tour that will take him across the country for a series of informal receptions hosted by University benefactors.

Toland Hall Dedication
In honor of the generosity of the Jesuit community for its support of With Faith and Strength to Dare, the Fine Arts West building on the Maguire campus will be named in tribute to Terrence Toland, S.J., the University's 23rd president.November 8, 4 p.m.
Reception / Open House: 4:45 p.m.SAVE THE DATE

Hawks in Florida, Naples, Fla.February 7 - 10, 2013
New activities and opportunities
to enjoy the weekend! Reserve your room at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort by calling 800-237-6883. Be sure to mention "SJU" for discounted rates. For information, contact Jeanne Riddagh at 610-660-1233.

Is your company a part of the United Way Campaign? If so, you can designate your gift to the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph's University.

By select designation “49108,” your generous support will help enrich the lives of individuals, families and caregivers coping with autism through the programs and services offered at the Kinney Center. Please watch this short video about the impact of Kinney Center support.